Page 43 of Wagon Train Dreams
“Hazel, please don’t make this any harder than it is.”
The pain in his voice almost stopped her. But no, she knew what she wanted. What they both deserved. “Joe, I don’t want to hurt you, but I’m telling you right here and now that I intend to spend the rest of my life with you.”
The way he drew his mouth in, she understood he wasn’t giving in.
“One way or another.” She whispered the words and was gratified when shock lifted his brows before he had time to hide it. “Oh, don’t worry. I won’t do anything immoral, but I will follow you to the ends of the earth until I convince you we belong together.”
“Hazel, please don’t say that.”
“Then don’t force me to.”
They did silent battle with their eyes. His might be dark and intense, but she matched him with her own stubbornness.
She relented first and touched his cheek. He stiffened as if trying not to react, but he tipped his head into her hand. He’d never say it, but he loved her just as she loved him.
“You keep asking me not to make this hard for you. Joe, I’m asking you not to inflict pain on me.”
His jaw muscles bunched. She’d struck a nerve. “Hazel, I can’t hurt you, but you don’t know what you’re asking.”
“Maybe I do. Or maybe I’m willing to find out.” It was enough for now. She patted his cheek, then released him. “This is a nice spot. If we have to stop our travels in order to do repairs, I’m glad we’re here.” She brushed her hand along his arm. “I’m gladwe’rehere.”
He didn’t say a word nor reveal anything in his expression, but she’d seen the flicker of agreement in his eyes before he shuttered them.
Talking signaled the return of the others, so she and Joe returned to the camp to hear the news.
“We’ll take the wheels into town. The blacksmith has what’s needed to repair them. We’ll be here for a few days until it’s done.” Gabe’s words rang out full of triumph. “It’s a nice little town. I suggest we have our noon meal, then go get supplies.”
“Mama, do I have to go?” Bertie asked.
Before Joe offered to stay with him, Hazel spoke up. “Why don’t we find you a new hat?” His old one had blown away in the wind a few days ago. “Someone will stay with you all the time.”
“Alice come? And Limpy?” His arms wrapped around the goat’s neck.
“No, son,” Ma said. “Best they stay here.”
Bertie huddled with his pets while Hazel and the others put out the noon meal. They heated water over the fire and washed every dish before they ate and again after. Having all the water they wanted was nice.
“Water is a blessed luxury.” Louise’s remark echoed Hazel’s thoughts and likely everyone else’s.
As soon as they’d cleaned up the meal and tethered the oxen and horses, they prepared to head into town.
Joe hesitated. “Someone should stay at the camp.”
Hazel faced him squarely, her hands on her hips. “Joe Dumont, the animals will be fine on their own. I’m sure you need to purchase things, too.”
He stood motionless, expressionless. “I travel light. Remember?”
“Out of necessity…or choice?”
“Both.” He remained impassive.
“Very well.” She lifted her hands in defeat. “If you change your mind, you know where to find us.” And hoisting Petey to her hip, she prepared to leave.
“Hazel?”
His urgent voice brought her gaze to him. “Yes?”
“Have a good time.”
